TEN YEARS ago Marcella Zemanek said her final goodbyes to her husband of nearly 30 years, broadcasting legend Stan Zemanek.
A decade on since losing Stan to brain cancer, 71-year-old Marcella will be taking part in her biggest physical challenge yet next month to raise $100,000 for brain cancer research.
She will be joining thousands of other walkers and runners in the annual Sun Herald City2Surf marathon on August 13. The 14km route will take Marcella past some of the most memorable locations of her marriage to Stan, including where they got engaged and homes where she grew up in the eastern suburbs.
When Marcella crosses the finish line in Bondi, she'll be returning to the suburb where she grew up.
This will be the first time Marcella has taken part in the event, and she'll be doing so alongside her daughter Gabby and grandchildren Hamish and Chloe.
"This year we should have been celebrating Stan's 70th birthday, but instead, our family are remembering 10 years since we lost him to this awful disease. I miss him every day but I'm also inspired by him every day, and I know he'll be pushing me along every step of the City2Surf, especially Heartbreak Hill," she said.
"I've been training to make sure I get a good time, but as I've never done the race before, any time will be a personal best.
She said when she first set up her fundraising page, her goal was just $800. "But thanks to Ben Fordham and his listeners, I'm now well above that."
Brain cancer facts
- Brain cancer kills more children than any other disease in Australia
- Only 1 in 5 people will survive brain cancer for five years and that has been the case for the last 30 years
- Brain cancer costs more per patient than any other cancer because it is highly debilitating, affects people in their prime and often means family members cannot work if they become carers
Anyone wishing to donate can go via Everyday Hero. All funds raised will go towards vital brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness to help Cure Brain Cancer Foundation reach its mission of improving brain cancer survival from 20 per cent to 50 per cent by 2023.
